First Impressions is a series that introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
Full disclosure: at my house, we fancy ourselves kitchen masters. We’ve got every episode of Chef's Table queued up and can't help but critique Gordon Ramsay on MasterChef. Enter CrateChef – a subscription box that promises to elevate your culinary game, curated by chefs who know what they're doing. Intrigued? So was I. Let's dish on the deets.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order!
CODE: ADDICTION10
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Subscription Details
Subscription Box: CrateChef
What’s Included: 5-7 items that represent a sampling of the featured curator’s favorite things
Price: $49 per box - ships every 2 months
Shipping: Varies depending on your location
First Impressions
The Box: Minimalist Grilling Aesthetic
1 of 2
Look, I'm a sucker for packaging, and this box was, well, a bit of a letdown. It's as if they said, "Why bother with frills?" and slapped a sticker on it. No whimsical quotes, no tantalizing hints – just a box.
1 of 2
Inside, you meet Steven Raichlen. He's a culinary Renaissance man—author, journalist, TV host, the works. While this information is not flaunted on the card, it is displayed on many of the item's packaging.
The Goodies: A Grillmaster's Bounty
Ah, the meat of the matter. Seven full-sized items, all with a nod to Steven's BBQ prowess. Here's the rundown:
Smoking Pucks, 2 pack - Retail Value $13.22
Perfect for smoking your grill goodies. They’re the perfect size and honestly feel/look like sturdy pieces that will stand the test of time.
Cedar Planks, 2 pack - Retail Value approx. $20
1 of 2
I love that they included the cedar plank here. No grill? No problem. Pop these in your oven and pretend you're at a backyard BBQ.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire Sauce, 3.3 oz - Retail Value $11.99
Sugar Bob’s Habanero Maple Sriracha, 2.5 oz - Retail Value approx. $4.03
Worcestershire sauce that's vegetarian-friendly? Check. Sriracha that'll make you question your spice tolerance? Double-check.
BBQ Wood Chips Mesquite, 2lbs - Retail Value $4.99
These chips come with a scent strong enough to wake the dead. Use them wisely – aka not indoors like we did. 🙈
Kansas City Smoke Rub, 5.92 oz - Retail Value $7.99
Greek Island Herb Rub, 3.36 oz - Retail Value $7.99
Since we don’t have a grill, this was the most exciting part for us to try. These work well with poultry, pork, ribs, beef, burgers and more. It was an excellent way to give you everything you’d need to make a dish.
The Recipes: Culinary Roadmap
Three recipe cards guide you through a gastronomic journey. From salmon to ribs to a potato salad with a kick, you've got the tools and the know-how to whip up something delicious. Don’t worry; almost everything you’ll need season-wise is already in the box.
Final Thoughts: A Solid 3/5
Value Breakdown: Food boxes are often more about curation than sheer retail value. The curation was on brand, but getting a good value is always a welcome bonus. This box's items totaled up to an estimated retail value of $70.21, which is more than the $49 cost.
CrateChef, you're onto something, but you're not quite there yet. A little more backstory, a dash of versatility, and you've got yourself a winner. Would I try it again? Sure, if the next box comes with a trailer that I can’t resist.
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.